Ilkley Cottages

My dogs and I are kind of a package deal. www.instagram.com/eddyandsam

Published March 26th 2017

The best escape from the city without spending hours driving

Where is Ilkley Cottages?

Ilkley Cottages is located in Budgee Budgee, an easy 10 minute drive north of Mudgee in the heart of a wine country. Mudgee, the centre of the Mid-Western Regional Council local government area, is known for both its colonial buildings and the dozens of wineries in surrounding country. It's a region that offers country charm with sophisticated food, wine, heritage and year-round event experiences to match, for both visitors and locals alike.

Ilkley is home to three charming fully self-contained cottages; Maggies, Blackmans, and Calving Gully. Although each cottage has its own unique charm, they do share in common a theme of farmhouse style antique furniture and recycled timber, complete with wood fires for cosy evenings in winter and reverse-cycle air-con for a cool retreat in summer. Ilkley Cottages is a great choice for all travellers, whether you're looking for a romantic getaway with your partner or a fun holiday with your friends and family - dogs included!

Eddy and I stayed in Blackmans Cottage, Ilkley's first built cottage that actually utilises some materials from the original cottage built in South Mudgee in 1849! How amazing is that? Blackmans has a main bedroom (1 x Queen Bed) and a second bedroom (2 x Single Beds), in addition to a kitchen area and large lounge room with a double sofa bed and a third bed, this cottage can sleep up to 7 people.

The kitchen comes with all the appliances you need that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, and in fitting with the antique style vibe that all of Ilkley's Cottages give off. Just check out their rustic kettle and you'll know exactly what I mean! In addition to necessary appliances, Ilkley's Cottage also provides basic food items for breakfast, such as fresh bread, butter, juice, milk, bacon, and eggs. There are also tea and coffee making facilities available.

As for the bathroom - well, be prepared to pamper yourself in a traditional claw-foot bath; there's no better way to wind down after a long day of travelling and sightseeing than kicking back in a bubble bath with a glass of wine in your hand from Mudgee, a fine Australian wine country region. After your long soak in the tub, continue kicking back in the lounge area on one of the comfortable couches by the fireplace, with another glass of wine. Enjoy some TV or a movie, or pick up a good book to read. Or how about engaging in a friendly game of Scrabble or Monopoly? All this is provided courtesy of Ilkley Cottages, so do remember to take full advantage of all that they have to offer!

With Ilkley Cottages being set on such a large property, each of the three cottages also has heaps of wide, open space surrounding the cottage itself. There is seating available for you to relax out in the open and take in the beautiful scenery; if you're lucky, you might even be able to spot a kangaroo or two! There are also traditional barbecue facilities available. Guests also have the option of relaxing on the spacious patio of the cottage; providing great views from a slightly higher vantage.

If you've got little ones, don't forget to check out the play area located near the entrance of Ilkley Cottages; they've got everything to entertain both the little kids and the young at heart! Fancy a game of basketball or tennis? Or perhaps a game of chess - a giant one at that? There's so much to choose from; your kids will think you're the best parent in the world!

Heaps of play equipment, to entertain both the little kids and the kids at heart!